Influence peddling isn't just about walking up to someone with an open mind and offering them so much cash that they come to see it your way. Helping someone who already agrees with you to stay out of trouble buys as much influence as a suitcase of money before a key vote.

A Conservative party lawyer sat in on interviews with political staffers who allege that former campaign worker Michael Sona advised them of his participation in an election day robocall that sent opposition supporters in Guelph, Ont., to the wrong polling station.